Cresswind at Lake Harris
Tavares, Florida
Sanibel-Captiva, Florida
What It Is Like to Retire in Sanibel-captiva
The well-to-do have been flocking to Sanibel and Captiva Islands for years – and for good reason. These islands off the southwest coast of Florida are a warm and scenic tropical paradise, filled with every amenity an active adult with money to spend could want. The 15 miles of white coral beaches are famous for shelling, the beautiful homes and apartments sing “buy me”, and the weather is just about perfect from October through May (it gets hot and humid in the summer). Sanibel-Captiva is a very desirable vacation spot and a place to live for anyone, but particularly for active adults who have the time and inclination to live a slower lifestyle. Sanibel-Captiva is located in Lee County. Ft. Myers is 11 miles away. The average age on the island is one of the highest in the country - 60+.
The down-side of paradise in America is that it generally comes with both a high price tag and big crowds. Real estate is very expensive and mid-winter traffic to and from the mainland (Ft. Myers) is often at a standstill. However for those willing to tough it out in their beautiful beachside homes, this can be a great way to pass the time.
Sanibel is the larger island and is closer to the mainland. It has a few golf courses, much tennis, great beaches, and fabulous shopping. The Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is vast and worth a visit. Captiva, a much smaller island at the end of Sanibel, was devastated in the 2004-5 hurricane seasons.
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Where to Retire in Sanibel-captiva and Home Prices
There are many small apartment, condo, and townhome complexes here.
As homes get further from the water they become a bit more affordable. Prices can swing tremendously depending on where and how far away from the water they are. Median prices were about $782,110 in Sanibel in 2020, according to Zillow.
What Is Special about Sanibel-captiva
Beautiful white coral beaches. Living on an island. Warm weather all winter. average Jan temperature is in the mid-60s. Many upscale housing opportunities for retirees, including many condos and apartments. Great shops. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge
What Is Not Special about Sanibel-captiva
Sanibel-Captiva is so desirable that is has become extremely expensive; Crowds; Island fever; Hurricane season
Who Will Like Retirement in Sanibel-captiva
People like living in Sanibel or Captiva because of its resort atmosphere. It helps if you don't mind lots of tourists or living on an island. They also tend to be wealthy. The wonderful murder mysteries of Randy Wayne White are set here.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism, retail, real estate.
Find Florida retirement communities like Fort Myers and Key West
Climate and Physical Environment
Sanibel-Captiva is just off the coast of Ft. Myers, FL. The Gulf of Mexico is on one side and bays and small mangrove islands on the other. Captiva is at the end. Find Sanibel on Google Maps. The average January temp is in the 60's and the average July temp in the low 80's. It is very flat and susceptible to hurricanes.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Sanibel-Captiva has many galleries and artists in residence. The Sanibel Public Library is well funded and has more than 60,000 volumes. Nearby Ft. Myers has a number of theatres and performing arts facilities. As a popular tourist destination there is no shortage of good restaurants, either here of just off the island in Fort Myers Beach.
Crime
Crime here is very low.
Medical facilities
There are at least 4 hospitals nearby: - Healthpark Hospital (10 miles) Cape Coral Hospital (14 miles) - Lee Memorial Hospital (19 miles) - Gulf Coast Hospital (18 miles)
Transportation
Ft. Myers Airport is 19 miles away
Valuable Links
Welcome to Sanibel Island The Islands of Sanibel and Captiva Sanibel on WikipediaCaptiva on Wikipedia
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